Display assembly for displaying media

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides for a display assembly for media comprised of first and second oppositely spaced vertical side members having a front and a back. Each of the oppositely spaced vertical side members have corresponding grooves angled in a downward direction toward the front. The display assembly has a plurality of display trays, where each tray has a base, a front wall, a rear wall, and two oppositely spaced apart side walls for supporting the media. Additionally, first and second side rails are mounted on a portion of the two oppositely spaced apart side walls so that when said display tray is inserted into said angled grooves the first and second side rails support the display tray and the media and allow the front wall of the display tray to protrude out from the front of the first and second oppositely spaced vertical side members. A plurality of finger projections are disposed on the rear wall of the display tray so that when the display tray is removed from the vertical side members, the plurality of finger projections may be inserted into a second support structure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a display assembly. More specifically, this invention relates to a display assembly for use with displaying a media.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a combined storage bin for use in displaying a media product such as decorative paper or cardstock. Decorative paper and cardstock or other related media such as those sold in craft stores, office supply stores are generally displayed in such a way as to allow easy access and to fully display all of the available merchandise for sale.

[0003] Various methods have been employed in the past and are currently employed which display paper and cardstock, however, there is currently no system available for displaying paper or cardstock which not only provides a convenient means for display but also allows users a wide range of variations to conform the display to varying conditions.

[0004] The present invention looks to overcome the drawbacks associated with the prior art and to provide a display assembly that is easily modifiable into various configurations. The display assembly provided will allow larger retailers more versatility in displaying multiple media items, and additionally provide a means to quickly alter a display when media merchandise stock is rapidly changing in quantity, size, and other variables. Also, the display assembly provided will be useful fro small business owners who, with the purchase of a single display assembly, will be provided with multiple options for displaying various media

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, a display assembly for media is provided having first and second oppositely spaced vertical side members where the side members each have a front and a back. The oppositely spaced vertical side members maintain corresponding grooves angled in downward direction toward the front. The assembly is further comprised of a plurality of display trays each having a base, a front wall, a rear wall, and two oppositely spaced apart side walls for supporting the media. Each of the display trays has a first and second side rail mounted on a portion of the oppositely spaced apart side walls so that when the display tray is inserted into the angled grooves, the first and second side rails support the display tray and the media and allow the front wall of the display tray to protrude out from the front of the first and second oppositely spaced vertical side members. The display trays also maintain a plurality of finger projections disposed on the rear wall of the display tray so that when the display tray is removed from the vertical side members, the plurality of finger projections may be inserted into a second support structure.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention the display assembly, a terminus barrier positioned in the grooves at the front of the first and second oppositely spaced vertical side members is configured to provide a mechanism to close the grooves. This terminus barrier is in the form of a banded edge which runs vertically along the fronts of the first and second oppositely spaced vertical side members.

[0007] In anther embodiment of the present invention, upper and lower horizontal attachment members are configured to connect and stabilize the first and second oppositely spaced vertical side members.

[0008] In another embodiment of the present invention the grooves on the first and second oppositely spaced vertical side members are angled from the back towards the front at a 34 degree downward angle and the grooves are substantially ⅜″ deep.

[0009] In another embodiment of the present invention the plurality of display trays are constructed of plastic. The display trays also maintain an opening in the front wall and the base disposed at a front region of the display trays and configured to provide a user with a means to remove the media. Additionally the display trays are further provided with divider slots disposed horizontally along a display axis running parallel to said front wall of the display trays and configured to provide a means to attach a divider so as to partition the display trays into subunits. Alternatively, the divider slots are disposed vertically along an axis running perpendicular to the front wall of the display trays and configured to provide a means to attach a divider so as to partition the display trays into subunits.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present invention, the first and second side rails mounted on a portion of the two oppositely spaced apart side walls are co-planar with the bases of the plurality of display trays. These first and second side rails mounted on a portion of said two oppositely spaced apart side walls extend substantially ⅜″ from the two oppositely spaced apart side walls. Additionally, the first and second side rails mounted on a portion of the two oppositely spaced apart side walls, extend approximately one half the length of the oppositely spaced apart side walls beginning at the rear wall of said display trays. As an alternative the first and second side rails mounted on a portion of the two oppositely spaced apart side walls extend approximately 7⅞″ along an axis parallel to the oppositely spaced apart side walls beginning at the rear wall of the display trays.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, the side rails of plurality of display trays are inserted into the grooves in the first and second oppositely spaced vertical side members from said rear, such that the side rails slide into the grooves until the display tray protrudes from the front.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, the finger projections extend outwardly from the rear wall of the display trays in direction opposite of the front wall and subsequently curve upwardly in a direction opposite of the base of the display trays. As such, the finger projections extends outwardly ½″ from the rear wall of the display trays in direction opposite of the front wall and subsequently curve upwardly ½″ in a direction opposite of the base of the display trays. The rear wall of the display trays are angled with a top portion of the rear wall disposed further away from the front wall than a bottom portion of the rear wall so as to allow better connection between the rear wall of the display tray and the second support structure, which in one case can be a peg board or in another case can be a slatwall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of the display assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a close up view of the display tray, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2a is a close up view of a display tray with a divider, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 3 is an alternative design for a display tray, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a perspective front view of the display assembly with the display tray mounted therein, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 5a is a front view of a display tray mounted in a peg board, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0019]FIG. 5b is a front view of a display tray mounted in a slatwall, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Display Assembly

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention and with reference to FIG. 1, a display assembly 10 is provided for displaying media 12 such as paper or cardstock, where assembly 10 is comprised of first and second oppositely spaced vertical side members 14 and 14′, display tray 16 and upper and lower horizontal attachment members 18 and 18′.

[0022] The basic structure of assembly 10 is such that, when connected, first and second vertical side members 14 and 14′ and upper and lower horizontal attachment members 18 and 18′ from a rectangular support structure of desired height, as defined by the length of vertical side members 14 and 14′ and a desired width, as defined by the length of the horizontal attachment members 18 and 18′. Vertical side members 14 and 14′ as well as horizontal attachment members 18 and 18′ can be constructed or wood, vinyl coated particle board or any other suitable material capable of properly supporting the displayed media 12.

[0023] The length of horizontal attachment members 18 an 18′ substantially correlate to the width of display tray 16 to be used in that particular assembly 10. As described below in more detail, many different widths of display tray 16 can be used to accommodate various types of media 12, however, to simplify the description contained herein, only one width display tray 16 will be described. It should be noted that the same vertical side members 14 and 14′ can simply be attached to a different set of horizontal attachment members 18 and 18′ in order to increase or decrease the size of display tray 16 used for assembly 10.

[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 1, vertical side members 14 and 14′ have front edges 20 and 20′, rear edges 22 and 22′, inner faces 24 and 24′ and outer faces 26 and 26′ defining the respective front and back of assembly 10. The inner faces 24 and 24′ of oppositely spaced vertical side members 14 and 14′ are positioned such that they face each other and run substantially parallel to one another.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, disposed on each inner face 24 and 24′ of vertical side members 14 and 14′ are grooves 28 and 28′ positioned such that groove 28 is substantially opposite groove 28′. Grooves 28 and 28′ are positioned such that the are angled from rear edges 20 and 20′ towards front edges 22 and 22′ at downward angle in the range of 15 degrees to 45 degrees. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, grooves 28 and 28′ are angled at 34 degree downward angle from the back edges 20 and 20′ toward the front edges 22 and 22′. However, it should be noted that it is not necessary that grooves 28 and 28′ be angled at all. In fact they can be positioned such that they run substantially parallel to the top and base of assembly 10 formed by upper and lower horizontal attachment members 18 and 18′. Any such position or angled disposition of grooves 28 and 28′ that allow for proper display of media 12 in tray 16 are within the contemplation of the present invention.

[0026] As further illustrated in FIG. 1 front edges 20 and 20′ of vertical side members 14 and 14′ are fitted with a terminus barrier 30 configured to provide a stopping mechanism so that grooves 28 and 28′ do not extend entire across inside inner faces 24 ad 24′. This allows items to be slid down grooves 28 and 28′ from the upper rear region down towards the lower front region and then restricted before it exits out of the front. Terminus barrier 30 can be in several forms such as a banded edge running the length of vertical side members 14 and 14′, a removable or permanent stopper fitted into grooves 28 and 28′ near front edges 20 and 20′ or any other suitable means for preventing items placed in grooves 28 and 28′ from sliding out of the front.

[0027] Display Tray

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 2, a display tray 16 is provided with base 32, two oppositely positioned side walls 34 and 34′, a front wall 36, a rear wall 38, and two oppositely spaced side rails 40 and 40′ attached to side walls 34 and 34′ respectively and configured to engage grooves 28 and 28′. Display tray 16 is preferably constructed of a transparent plastic, however any suitable material can be used so long as it is compatible with vertical side members 14 and 14′ and capable of stable support of media 12.

[0029] Display tray 16 is preferably 13″ inches long between front wall 36 and rear wall 38, 9″ inches wide between side walls 34 and 34′, and ¾″ inch deep between the top of walls 34, 34′, 36 and 38 and base. It should be noted that the dimensions of the tray are only illustrative of a sample tray used for 8½″×11″ inch paper media 12, however any dimension tray that maintains the same functional elements and is used in conjunction with similar components is within the contemplation of the present invention. For example, FIG. 3, illustrates display tray 16′ in larger dimensions for use with larger media 12. As such, display tray 16′ shown here would use a different assembly 10 than is used with display tray 16 pictured in FIG. 2, however, because all of the functional elements are the same, for simplicity reasons, display tray 16 will refer to the tray illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0030] Front wall 36, rear wall 38, side walls 34 and 34′ and base 32 are configured to store media 12, preferably sheet media such as construction or art paper, or cardstock, however any media 12 that fits in display tray 16 can be used. Within base 32, divider slots 42 are positioned so as to further allow display dividers 44 to be used, as illustrated in FIG. 2a. Display dividers 44 are configured to partition the surface of base 32 of display tray 16 so as to allow multiple compartments to be formed for storage and display of different media 12, such as variations in color or thickness.

[0031] In another embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 2, front wall 36 and base 32 of display tray 16 have a center cut 46 disposed in the front and configured to allow a user to have better access to media 12 while simultaneously not compromising the ability to display media 12 at an angle. This feature is particularly useful when displaying sheet media 12 because it allows a user to use their fingers to easily leaf through the desired number of pages of sheet media 12. While FIG. 2 shows center cut 46 to be of a semi-circular shape, any such shape which allows easy access to media 12 is within the contemplation of the present invention.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, side rails 40 and 40′ of display tray 14 are positioned co-planar with base 32 and are positioned on side walls 34 and 34′ respectively, extending outwardly. Although side rails 40 and 40′ can extend outwardly from side walls 34 and 34′ in varying amounts, preferably they extend ⅜″ inch away from side walls 34 and 34′. The only requirement for the distance that side rails 40 and 40′ extend away from side walls 34 and 34′ is that they do not extend away a distance substantially greater than the depth of grooves 28 and 28. Additionally, although side rails 40 and 40′ can be of varying thickness, they are preferably ⅛″ inch thick. They only requirement for the thickness of side rails 40 and 40′ is that they do not exceed the thickness of grooves 28 and 28′.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 2, side rails 40 and 40′ extend from side walls 34 and 34′ starting from rear wall 38 towards front wall 36. In a preferred configuration, side rails 34 and 34′ extend ½ the length of side walls 34 and 34′ from the back wall 38 towards front wall 36. In another preferred configuration side rails 40 and 40′ extend away from side walls 34 and 34′ for approximately 7⅞″ inches as measured from rear wall 38 towards front wall 36. It should be noted that for all of the features of side rails 40 and 40′ including thickness, co-planar with base 32, extension length from side walls 34 and 34′ and extension of side rails 40 and 40′ along the length of side walls from rear wall 38 are all variable features the properties of which are not fixed. Any one of these features can be varied to comply with certain specifications. For example, the thickness and depth of side rails 40 and 40′ can be increased to make tray 16 fit more tightly into grooves 28 and 28′ or to accommodate different stile grooves altogether. Side rails 40 and 40′ can be moved to be co-planar with the tops of walls 34, 34′, 36 and 38 so that tray 16 hangs below grooves 28 and 28′ instead of resting above grooves 28 and 28′. Side rails 40 and 40′ can also vary the length they extend from rear wall 38 toward front wall 36 so that when tray 16 is inserted into grooves 28 and 28′ the front of tray 16 exposed beyond front edge 22 of vertical side members 14 and 14′ will also vary, as discussed below.

[0034] In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, display tray 16 has a plurality finger projections 48 disposed along the back wall. Finger projections 48 are configured so that tray 16 may be removed from display assembly 10 and used in an alternate display means such as a peg board 50 or a slatwall 52. Finger projections 48 preferably are cylindrical of about ¼″ inch in diameter and extend outwardly away from rear wall 38 for substantially ½″ inch and then curve approximately 90 degrees upward away from base 32 and extend an additional ½″ inch. Although this configuration or size is preferable for its universal compatibility with most peg boards and slatwalls any configuration of finger projections 48 which are conducive for use in hanging display tray 16 are within the contemplation of the present invention. Additionally, rear wall 38 of tray 16 can be angled such that the top of rear wall 38 is farther from front wall 36 than the bottom of front wall 36.

[0035] As such any device which substantially exhibits the salient features of the above described assembly 10 and display tray 16 are within the contemplation of the present invention.

[0036] Operation of Display Assembly

[0037] When fabricating display assembly 10 as illustrated in FIG. 4, a user first fills a display tray 16 with the appropriate media 12. Then approaching assembly 10 from the rear, tray 16 is mounted into oppositely spaced vertical side walls 14 and 14′ by sliding side rails 40 and 40′ into grooves 28 and 28′. Tray 16 will slide down grooves 28 and 28′ until the front edge of side rails 40 and 40′, which is preferably found approximately ½ to ¾ the way down the length of side walls 34 and 34′ extending away from rear wall 38, comes into contact with the terminus barrier 30. In this preferable configuration, after side rails 40 and 40′ slide down grooves 28 and 28′ the front of tray 16 extends beyond front edge 20 of vertical side members 14 and 14′ by approximately by 5⅛″ inches if side rails 40 and 40′ are 7⅞″ long, or tray 16 extends 6½″ beyond front edge 20 if side rails 40 and 40′ are ½ the length of side walls 34 and 34′ of tray 16. Although display tray 16 does not have to extend beyond front edge 20, for example if side rails 40 and 40′ extend the entire length of side walls 34 and 34′ or if terminus barrier 30 is placed in grooves 28 and 28′ farther up away from front edge 22, in the preferred configuration, tray 16 extends beyond front edge 20 to allow a customer better access to viewing and removal of media 12.

[0038] Alternative Operation of Display Tray

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 5a, tray 16 can be removed from display assembly 10 and, utilizing finger projections 48, can be used to inserted into pegboard 50. In this instance, the upper portion of finger projections 48 are inserted into the corresponding holes in peg board 50 and then subsequently inserted all the way until rear wall 38 comes into contact with peg board 50. To this end, angled rear wall 38, as described above, lies flush against peg board 50 such that tray 16 is held in place by finger projections 48 and lies in a downward angle so that front wall 36 is positioned below rear wall 38, simulating substantially the same display angle as when tray 16 is mounted in display assembly 10.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 5b, tray 16 can be removed from display assembly 10 and, utilizing finger projections 48, can be used to insert into slatwall 52. In this instance, the upper portion of finger projections 48 are inserted into the corresponding groove in slatwall 52 until rear wall 38 comes into contact with slatwall 52. To this end, angled rear wall 38, as described above, lies flush against slatwall 52 such that tray 16 is held in place by finger projections 48 and lies in a downward angle so that front wall 36 is positioned below rear wall 38, simulating substantially the same display angle as when tray 16 is mounted in display assembly 10.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, display tray 16 can be used in conjunction with existing store features such as display gondolas spinning racks and other such display items that are already located in the store, without the purchase of any additional pegboard or slatwall.

[0042] These alternative uses of display tray 16 in peg board 50, slat wall 52, or any other compatible existing store fixtures such as gondolas allow for more versatile display arrangements, particular in stores with large amounts of media 12 to display or even in small stores where versatility in display means can reduce costs. The ability of display trays 16 to be advantageously mounted on display assembly 10 using side rails 40 and 40′ and then to easily be removed and mounted on peg board 50, slatwall 52, or other store fixtures using finger projections 48, creates a more versatile media 12 display means.

[0043] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes or equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore, to be understood that this application is intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A display assembly for media, said assembly comprising: first and second oppositely spaced vertical side members having a front and a back, each of said oppositely spaced vertical side members having corresponding grooves angled in a downward direction toward said front; a plurality of display trays, each of said trays having a base, a front wall, a rear wall, and two oppositely spaced apart side walls for supporting the media; first and second side rails mounted on a portion of said two oppositely spaced apart side walls so that when said display tray is inserted into said angled grooves, said first and second side rails support said display tray and the media and allow said front wall of said display tray to protrude out from said front of said first and second oppositely spaced vertical side members; and a plurality of finger projections disposed on said rear wall of said display tray so that when said display tray is removed from said vertical side members, said plurality of finger projections may be inserted into a second support structure.
 2. The display assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a terminus barrier positioned at said front of said first and second oppositely spaced vertical side members to restrict said display tray.
 3. The display assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein said terminus barrier is a banded edge which runs vertically along said front of said first and second oppositely spaced vertical side members.
 4. The display assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising upper and lower horizontal attachment members, configured to connect and stabilize said first and second oppositely spaced vertical side members.
 5. The display assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grooves on said first and second oppositely spaced vertical side members are angled from said back towards said front at a downward angle in the range of about 15 to 45 degrees.
 6. The display assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grooves on said first and second oppositely spaced vertical side members are substantially ⅜″ deep.
 7. The display assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of display trays are constructed of a transparent plastic.
 8. The display assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an opening in said front wall and said base of said plurality of display trays, said opening disposed at a front region of said display trays and configured to provide a user with a means to remove the media.
 9. The display assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising divider slots on said plurality of display trays disposed horizontally along a display axis running parallel to said front wall of said display trays and configured to provide a means to attach a divider so as to partition said display trays into subunits.
 10. The display assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising divider slots on said plurality of display trays disposed vertically along an axis running perpendicular to said front wall of said display trays and configured to provide a means to attach a divider so as to partition said display trays into subunits.
 11. The display assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second side rails mounted on a portion of said two oppositely spaced apart side walls are co-planar with said base of said of plurality of display trays.
 12. The display assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second side rails mounted on a portion of said two oppositely spaced apart side walls extend substantially ⅜″ from said two oppositely spaced apart side walls.
 13. The display assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second side rails mounted on a portion of said two oppositely spaced apart side walls extend approximately one half the length of said oppositely spaced apart side walls beginning at said rear wall of said display trays.
 14. The display assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second side rails mounted on a portion of said two oppositely spaced apart side walls extend approximately 7⅞″ along an axis parallel to said oppositely spaced apart side walls beginning at said rear wall of said display trays.
 15. The display assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said side rails of plurality of display trays are inserted into said grooves in said first and second oppositely spaced vertical side members from said rear, such that said side rails slide into said grooves until said display tray protrudes from said front.
 16. The display assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said finger projections extend outwardly from said rear wall of said display trays in direction opposite of said front wall and subsequently curve upwardly in a direction opposite of said base of said display trays.
 17. The display assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein said finger projections extends outwardly ½″ from said rear wall of said display trays in direction opposite of said front wall and subsequently curve upwardly ½″ in a direction opposite of said base of said display trays.
 18. The display assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear wall of said display trays is angled with a top portion of said rear wall disposed further away from said front wall than a bottom portion of said rear wall so as to allow better connection between said rear wall of said display tray and said second support structure.
 19. The display assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second support structure is peg board.
 20. The display assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second support structure is slatwall. 